The Recap From Nolan's Press Conference

Matt Maiocco, The Press Democrat

INJURY UPDATE (3:45 p.m.): Cornerback Marcus Hudson is expected to miss "a few weeks" with a sprain of the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, a team spokesman said. No surgery is required. Also, cornerback Shawntae Spencer has a quad strain. The team has not received the results of his MRI examination, so his status is uncertain.
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Coach Mike Nolan said the team will not get overconfident after its 37-31 overtime victory against the Cardinals. Here are some of the highlights from Nolan's weekly press conference:

--Nolan took complete responsibility for allowing the Cardinals an opportunity throw the Hail Mary pass at the end of the first half. When I asked if why they didn't take a snap and throw the ball out of bounds -- or do anything -- to run some time off the clock before sending out Joe Nedney for a 55-yard field goal, Nolan answered, "You're right."

Nolan said he was particularly impressed with the way his team handled the situation at halftime. "The adversity in that situation did not get the team down." --On the plane ride home, Mike Singletary, who sits across the aisle from Nolan, leaned over and said about Patrick Willis: "Patrick's special." After the film review, Willis was credited with 15 solo and six assists for 21 tackles. He had the big play to run down wide receiver Sean Morey in overtime to prevent what would've been the game-ending touchdown. Nolan said that play showed Willis' speed and desire.

--On the game-winning play, Ronald Fields got the sack; Tully Banta-Cain jumped on the fumble in the end zone. But, perhaps, the biggest effort on that play belonged to Derek Smith. The veteran linebacker gave the tight end on the play a chuck, knocking him into Anquan Boldin, who was the primary receiver. Warner saw that and had to hold the ball, allowing Fields and Banta-Cain to make the play.

--Nolan said his MVPs of the game were little Michael Lewis on special teams, big Michael Lewis and Patrick Willis on defense, and Trent Dilfer and Frank Gore on offense. He also credited the play of Bryant Young, Marques Douglas, Mark Roman and Walt Harris on defense.

--Nolan said he couldn't really answer how Ted Tollner helped, but he reflected on his own experience. He said when he had Bill Arnsparger helping him in '99 when he was Redskins defensive coordinator, it gave him more confidence.

--Back to that Hail Mary play, Nolan said his guys just got outjumped. He said he used to have Manny Lawson deep on those plays because at 6-6, he is also the team's highest jumper. He has also considered Vernon Davis back there but he didn't want to put too much on his plate, because if the Cardinals do something other than a Hail Mary, his defensive assignment would change. Ashley Lelie could do it, but he might not be strong enough to go up in traffic with all those bodies around.

--I had to step away there for a couple minutes to go on with Fitz and Brooks on KNBR. I'll be back on at 4 p.m. (or did they tell me 4:30?) with Ralph and Tom.

--Nolan said defensive coordinator Greg Manusky made a wise decision to put together a defense that was designed to allow some give and take. The Cardinals rolled up a lot of yards, but the 49ers also made a lot of plays. The 49ers are responsible for seven of the Cardinals' 17 sacks allowed this season.

--Kwame Harris saw some action as a second tight end on selected run plays. Harris did not replace any of the starting offensive linemen when he was on the field, Nolan said.

--Nolan told the Fox crew during their Saturday production meeting that Dilfer's game against the Rams was the 49ers' best-quarterbacked game in his three seasons with the 49ers. That's an interesting statement, considering Alex Smith has started 30 games for the 49ers. Anyway, Nolan said Dilfer's game yesterday was his best, yet.

--Nolan thanked the fans for "staying with us."